For the first time since joining the Football Bowl Subdivision, WKU will play in a postseason bowl.

After a 7-5 regular season, WKU formally accepted an invitation Sunday to play on Dec. 26 in Detroit in the 2012 Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. The Hilltoppers will square off against Central Michigan at 6:30 p.m. (CST) at Ford Field on ESPN.

“We are honored and pleased to accept a bid to the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl,” said WKU Director of Athletics Todd Stewart. “Of the last 19 teams to make the transition to the Football Bowl Subdivision, only seven have earned a bowl berth in their first four seasons. We now join this group, and it further illustrates the tremendous development and growth of our program. All the credit goes to Coach Taggart, his staff and our players for their resiliency and dedication. I am especially happy for our 19 seniors for their perseverance and for overcoming the obstacles and growing pains they have endured. They never stopped believing, they have laid a tremendous foundation for our football program, and this is a reward they very much deserve. This is a great day for Western Kentucky University, and we look forward to a strong showing by the Hilltopper Nation in Detroit.”

WKU completed its transition from the FCS in 2009, becoming a member of the Sun Belt Conference in 2009. Now, in just its fourth season of eligibility, the Hilltoppers are headed to a bowl game. After combining to go 2-22 in 2009 and 2010, WKU has gone 14-10 in the last two seasons, producing winning campaigns in both 2011 and 2012.

“I couldn’t be happier for this football team – and especially this group of seniors – to be able to conclude our 2012 season with a bowl game,” said Hilltopper head football coach Willie Taggart.“This is a great day for our football program, but it is also huge for our fans and alumni. We’re excited for the opportunity, but we aren’t just happy to be in a bowl game. We’re going to this game to win it.”